C.S. Lewis and the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud, battle between faith and reason in Regent University’s Tidewater Stage Theatre production of Freud’s Last Session.

The show opens on the Studio Theatre on Friday, July 29 and continue July 30-31 and Aug. 5-7. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

The play written by playwright Mark St. Germain is loosely based on the best-selling book, The Question of God, with a plot revolving around the fictitious meeting of the renowned Christian author and the infamous atheist psychologist.

“St. Germain has created an imaginative meeting between two of the greatest minds of the 20th century, and it’s a doozy,” said director and School of Communication & the Arts (SCA) assistant professor Marianne Savell. “Who has had more influence over western Christianity and the analysis of human thought and behavior than these two men?”

Eric Harrell, producing artistic director for Tidewater Stage and SCA associate professor, said he’s most excited about what the show – admittedly different from the comedic trends of performances of the past – will bring to audiences.

“It’s not a sermon, it’s a wrestling match,” said Harrell. “I don’t want to sell it as a drama – it’s actually quite funny in many, many places. But it’s an intellectually stimulating show and a challenging look at some very provocative issues.”

And to tackle those provocative questions of the differing atheist and Christian worldviews, a special question and answer forum featuring thought-leaders Dr. Corné Bekker (School of Divinity), and Dr. Bill Hathaway (School of Psychology & Counseling), along with Savell.

“What a compelling example this play offers for how individuals with significant differences can engage in meaningful dialogue marked by respect and empathy,” said Savell. “Given the challenges our nation currently faces, it’s a lesson benefiting us all.”